“SHE WON BECAUSE OF LUCK.”

Orlando, Florida, February 4, 2026 – The LPGA Tour’s 2026 season opener, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, was intended to launch the year with excitement and star power. Instead, it concluded amid freezing controversy, a shortened format, and now escalating legal drama. Nelly Korda claimed her 16th career LPGA title and first victory since November 2024 with a commanding 13-under total after the final round was officially canceled due to extreme cold and wind.

But third-place finisher Brooke Henderson has ignited a full-blown media and legal storm, filing a lawsuit against Korda personally and demanding that the LPGA Tour issue a formal ruling on the tournament’s validity.

Henderson, who surged into contention with a brilliant third-round 66 to finish solo third at 7-under, did not hold back in her post-tournament statements. “She won because of luck,” Henderson declared in a heated press conference that quickly went viral. “The win was undeserved and handed on a silver platter. Canceling the final round due to severe weather deprived the tournament of true fairness. We all suffered through brutal conditions on Saturday—sub-freezing temperatures, gusts up to 40 mph, feels-like in the teens—but some got to post their scores while others were left hanging.

This wasn’t a 72-hole showdown; it was 54 holes decided by Mother Nature and a hasty LPGA decision.”

The facts of the weather chaos are undisputed. Overnight Saturday into Sunday brought arctic conditions to Central Florida, with play suspended in the third round due to high winds at 4:19 p.m. ET. Eight players, including some in contention, were still on course. The LPGA delayed the final round restart multiple times, but by early afternoon, officials cited frozen ground, unsafe playing conditions, and a poor forecast for Monday, reducing the event to 54 holes.

Korda’s astonishing 8-under 64 on Saturday in the worst of the weather—described by her as “probably the hardest holes I’ve ever played in professional golf”—proved decisive. She didn’t swing a club on Sunday, yet walked away with $315,000 from the $2.1 million purse and the trophy.

Henderson’s frustration boiled over into action. Sources close to her camp confirm that on February 3, she filed a civil lawsuit in Orange County Circuit Court against Nelly Korda for “unjust enrichment” and “tortious interference with prospective economic advantage.” The suit alleges that Korda’s victory, enabled by the premature cancellation, deprived Henderson of a fair opportunity to compete for the title and prize money.

It seeks to have the win declared invalid or, alternatively, for Korda to forfeit a portion of her earnings (estimated at $100,000+ in damages claimed) and for the LPGA to redistribute funds or declare no official winner. Henderson’s filing also demands that the LPGA Tour make a “clear and binding decision” on the tournament’s status, including whether it counts as a full official victory toward Korda’s record, OWGR points, and future exemptions.

The lawsuit has sent shockwaves through the golf world. Legal experts note it’s highly unusual—golf disputes rarely reach court, typically handled internally by tour rules committees or arbitration. But Henderson’s team argues the LPGA’s decision violated its own bylaws on “optimal competitive environment” and player safety protocols, creating an unfair advantage. “Brooke believes the Tour prioritized expediency over equity,” a statement from her representatives read. “She grinded through the same conditions as everyone else and deserved the chance to finish. This isn’t sour grapes; it’s about integrity for all players.”

The backlash against Henderson has been swift and intense. Social media erupted with accusations of entitlement, with fans and pundits pointing out Korda’s 64 was nine shots better than the field average in “brutal” weather.

Lydia Ko, who finished fourth and admitted feeling “gutted” about not playing Sunday, distanced herself from the suit, saying only: “Weather decisions are tough; we all accept them.” LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler issued a public apology for the handling of the event, admitting the Tour “wasn’t fully prepared” for the freeze and promising a review of protocols, but he defended the cancellation as necessary for safety—no injuries occurred, unlike potential risks on brittle turf.

Korda, known for her composure, responded minimally in a follow-up statement: “I respect Brooke’s passion for the game and her right to voice concerns. I played my golf in the conditions presented, and I’m grateful for the win. The LPGA made the call they felt was best.” Her camp has not yet filed a formal response to the lawsuit, but sources indicate they view it as “frivolous” and expect dismissal or settlement.

The controversy has broader implications for the LPGA. Critics highlight inconsistencies: celebrities in the concurrent pro-am were allowed limited play Sunday in milder (though still cold) slots, while pros waited. Player safety vs. competition integrity debates rage on forums, with some calling for weather contingency plans like indoor simulators or rescheduling clauses. For Henderson, the suit risks reputational damage—her sister Brittany (longtime caddie) is on maternity leave, adding personal stress—but it also positions her as a vocal advocate for player rights in unpredictable conditions.

As the LPGA moves to the next events, the legal battle looms. Henderson’s filing demands expedited discovery, including internal LPGA communications on the cancellation. If it proceeds, it could set precedents for future weather-shortened events. For now, Korda’s trophy sits in her cabinet, but the storm Henderson unleashed ensures the 2026 opener will be remembered not for birdies, but for a bitter fight over what constitutes a “fair” win.